‘A giant issue': Coins to be removed from Giant's Causeway amid call for tourists to stop wedging tokens into cracks

Belfast Telegraph

3 days ago

The National Trust has confirmed it expects to remove all coins wedged into cracks of the basalt rock of Co Antrim's famous Giant's Causeway.
It follows a report by the British Geological Survey that found that coins left by visitors from across the globe were having detrimental effects on the World Heritage Site.
While the coins celebrate the wide ranging from tourists that come to Northern Ireland to enjoy the natural landmark, they subsequently will rust and expand causing the rock to crumble as well as stain.
The National Trust had urged people to refrain from further damaging some of the site's 40,000 columns last Wednesday.
However, after completing a recent trial to remove the coins safely, the National Trust have confirmed they plan to proceed with their overall removal, which is expected to cost upwards of £30k.
'A giant issue with coins has emerged at the Giant's Causeway,' a National Trust spokesperson said.
'The causeway, said by legend to have been created by the giant Finn McCool, is one of Antrim's most loved landmarks, and attracts visitors from across the globe.
'Wedging coins into the cracks in the basalt rock columns here has become a tradition for some visitors.
'But this seemingly harmless action is causing damage to the World Heritage Site. As the coins rapidly corrode they expand, causing the rock to flake and leaves rust coloured streaks.
'We're pleased to say that a recent trial to remove the coins safely has been successful and now it is hoped the coins – from all over the world – will be removed across the causeway.'
The National Trust, in partnership with Causeway Coast and Glens Heritage Trust, deployed specialists in stone conservation to 10 test locations at the site and remove coins without causing further damage.
Dr Cliff Henry, National Trust nature engagement officer at the Giant's Causeway, urged visitors to preserve the natural site for future generations.
'When coins start to corrode, the steel often corrodes faster and separates from the different metal of the outer layer. This delamination causes the basalt to flake,' he said.
'The coins here also have accelerated corrosion because they are often soaked in saltwater spray and the mixture of metals means they break down faster.'
Dr Henry added: 'We know that visitors really love and cherish the Giant's Causeway, and many form deep personal connections to this special landscape.
'We know some may want to leave a token of their visit, but the coins are causing damage and we are urging people to stop the practice and to leave no trace so this natural wonder remains special for future generations.'
The Giant's Causeway was formed between 50 and 60 million years ago when lava erupted from cracks in the earth which cooled and broke into hexagonal columns.
However, the popular tourist spot is steeped in mythology with Irish legends stating that it was formed by Irish giant Finn McCool to cross the sea battle a Scottish Giant.